Remote control for radio receiving sets



July 2, 1940.

v. A. REINHOLZ ET AL REMOTE CONTROL FOR RADIO RECEIVING SETS Filed April 11, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 July 2, 1940.

v. A. REINHOLZ in AL REMOTE CONTROL FOR RADIO RECEIVING SETS Filed April 11, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 TONE Illlllllllllli July 2, 1940. v. A. REINHOLZ El AL REIOTE CONTROL FOR RADIO RECEIVING SETS Filed April 11, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 MW w Patented July 2, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE REMOTE CONTROL FOR RADIO RECEIVING SETS Victor A. Reinholz, Reedsburg, Wis., and Edmund H. Scholz, Chicago, 111.

Application April 11, 1938, Serial No. 201,304

10 Claims. (01. 25020) This invention relates to means for controlling tion of the electrical circuit of the remote cona radio receiving set from a remote point and has trol means.

as a general object to provide new and improved Fig. is a side elevational view of one of the remote control means which is adaptable for use motor means shown in Fig. 4. 5 in avariety of environments. Fig. 6 is a top plan View of the motor means 5 More particularly, an object of the invention is of Fig. 5. to perfect a new and improved remote control Fig. 7 is a fragmentary plan view of a modimeans for a radio receiving set which is particufied form of the invention also embodied in the larly adapted for use with a radio receiver in e ng Wheel Of an automotive vehicle.

an automotive vehicle. Fig. 8 is an enlarged diametrical sectional 10 Another object is to perfect remote control View of the control means of Fig. 7. means which may be mounted on the steering 9 iS a fragmentary SectiOnal V ew Of an.-

column of an automotive vehicle above the steer- Other mod fication. ing wheel where it may be manipulated by the 10 s a plan View of still another modioperator of the vehicle without removing his fioation of the invention adapt d for use with a 15 hand from the steering wheel and Where it is in use adio.

the direct line of vision so as to be viewed by While the invention is Susceptible of various t operator t t more th a momentary modifications and alternative constructions, it is removai of his eyes from t road, shown in the drawings and will be described Another object is to provide remote control hereinafter in a preferred embodiment a d 20 means for a radjg receiving et the primary conseveral modifications, but it not intended that trol elements of which are adapted to be incorthe invention is to be limited thereby t0 t porated in a more or isss conventional steering specific constructions disclosed, but it is intended wheel f an automotive vehicle in a manner pre to cover all modifications and alternative conentjng a neat and attractive appearance. structions falling Within the spirit and scope of 25 t another bjecf, is t provide new and the invention as defined by the appended claims. improved remote control means for a radio re- Genera-11y Walking the invention contemplates ceiving set which means is entirely electrical. the Provision 0f means Controlling a radio siiii another Object is to provide new and receiving set from a remote point, which means is proved remote control means of the character so Constructed that it is a y adap e or 30 described which is entireiy mechanicai use in a variety of circumstances or environ- A further bje t is to provide a new and ments. Conventionally a radio receiving set has proved means for controlling from a remote tuning control means consisting of one or more paint t tuning, volume and also t t f a condensers, volume control means consisting of a radio receiving set whether in an automotive rheostat, and tone Coiltml means or modulating 35 vehicle or the home the pitch of the speech or music received over Yet a further object is to provide new and the set. The remote control means governing improved electric motor means connected in the Setting of the timing, Volume and tone consirnple circuits for the actuation of the tuning, trol means comprishs generally manually actuvolume and tone controls of a radio receiving able elements located remotely from the radio 40 set. receiving set and means for transmitting the other Objects and advantages, W111 become motion of the manually actuable elements to the parent from the following detailed description Vanous contiol meanstaken in connection with the accompanying More part1cularly, however, the invention condrawings, in which; templates the perfection of remote control 45 Fig 1 is a fragmentary plan View of a preferred means for use with the radio of an automotive form of the invention as embodied in the steering vehmle i the remote Control means of Such Wheel of an automotive vehic1e construction that the manually actuable ele- Fig. 2 is an enlarged diametrical sectional fig a gg gg fi g 2 t fit in the Steer u omo lve ve ic e so as to be fiaken approximately along the hne 2 2 of readily visible by the operator of the vehicle and so that they may be actuated by the 0 er- 3 a d 1agr ammat1c View of a portlon 0f ator without removing his hand from the st erthe electrical circuit of the remote control means. ing wheel, or at least while retaining his hand in M Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic view of another porclose proximity to the steering wheel. A preferred form of the invention adapted for use with the radio receiving set of an automotive vehicle is disclosed in Figs. 1 to 6 of the drawings.

Referring now more particularly to these Figs. 1 to 6, it (see Figs. 1 and 2) represents a more or less conventional steering wheel fixed on the upper end of a. tubular shaft l2 projecting from the upper end of a steering column $3 in which it is rotatably supported. in ball bearings i i. The tuning control means of a radio receiving set is represented in Fig. 3 by a single condenser, herein generally designated it (see Fig. 3), while the volume control means is represented by a rheostat, herein designated it (see Fig. 6), and the tone control means is represented by a more or less conventional construction herein represented as l'i (see Fig. l). These control means per se constitute no part of the invention and thus are illustrated somewhat diagrammatically and will not be described in detail.

The remote control means in this form of the invention comprises generally a manually actuable element generally designated 2i (see Fig. 2) for governing the tuning control means, a manually actuable element generally designated 29 for governing the volume control means, and a manually actuable element for governing the tone control means, all located centrally of the steering wheel H where they are readily visible to the operator of the vehicle without removing his eyes from the road for more than a moment and where they can be manipulated while still retaining his hand on the steering wheel, or at least in very close proximity thereto. In the present form of the invention, the movement of the manually actuable elements is transmitted to the various control means electrically and thus there are located at the radio receiving set a plurality of electric motors generally designated 2d and 25 operatively associated respectively with the tuning, volume and tone control means to actuate the same and which are connected in electrical circuit with the manually operable elements so as to be responsive to the actuation thereof.

Considering first that portion of the remote control means governing the tuning control means, the manually operable element 2% herein takes the form of an annular ring 28 which is disposed within a recess 29 formed centrally of the steering wheel and opening through the upper face thereof. This ring 23 is rotatably supported within the recess 29 on a fixed tube 38 extending axially of the tubular shaft 62 and the steering column l3. Preferably ball bearings 39 are interposed between the tube 39 and the shaft iii. The annular ring 28 is metallic and preferably is journaled on the tube til by means of ball bearings and also has a wiping contact with a metallic washer 33 fixed on the tube 3b in order to provide a ground connection through the frame of the vehicle for a purpose which will shortly become apparent. The upper edge of the annular ring 28 may be serrated so that it is readily rotated, for example, by the thumb of either hand of the operator or" the vehicle while he continues to grasp a spoke 34 of the steering wheel.

Carried by the annular ring 28 are two diametrically oppositely disposed brushes 35, each mounted slidably in a socket 3i and urged outwardly by a compression spring 38. These brushes contact a commutator 353 of insulating material non-rotatably fixed upohil ietube 3t, wliiEhGfnmutator carries upon its periphery a plurality of metallic commutator segments 8 (see Figs. 2 and 3) These commutator segments are adapted to be connected electrically to the motor 23 associated with the tuning control means if in a manner causing the motor to rotate in a direction and to an extent corresponding with the extent and direction of rotation of the annular ring .213.

In the present instance the motor .3 is of unique yet simple construction, particularly adapted for control by the manually actuable element or" the type disclosed. To that end the motor 23 comprises a stator composed of a plurality of poles it each having a field winding i l and a rotor composed of a plurality of pairs of individual armatures 415. The rotor has fixed for rotation therewith a gear 46 for driving the tuning control means it: through a suitable train of gears ii. For best operation, the poles 13 should be so wound and connected in circuit as to form north and south poles alternately, and the relation of the number of poles to the number of pairs of armatures id should be such that opposite ends of each pair of armatures will be opposite a north and a south pole respectively. In the present instance the motor 23 has eighteen poles it and has three pairs of armatures it, with the result that there is an end of an armature opposite each third pole. With this number of poles and armatures, each third segment (see Fig. 3) of the commutator as is interconnected electrically by means of leads 18 to form three series A, B1 and C of four segments each, the commutator having a total of twelve segments. Each series is then connected by suitable leads 29 to one end of the winding it on each third one of the poles 33. The remaining ends of the windings M- are connected by suitable leads to a common lead it connected to one terminal of a storage battery 55. Preferably there is interposed in the lead 56 a switch 52 manually actuable by means of a button tZa. to make or break the circuit to the battery, and operable to remain in either an open or a closed position. To complete the circuit, the remaining terminal of the battery 5 ti is grounded on the frame of the vehicle in conventional manner by means of a lead 53, the brushes 3b as previously stated being grounded through the tube 3i). This ground connection in Fig. 3 is represented by the leads 5:2. be understood that the number of poles and armatures and the number of segments on the commutator here shown is not a fixed number but this number may be varied depending upon the gear train M which is employed and depending upon the precision in tuning which is desired.

In order that the station selected by manipulation of the annular ring 253 may also be readily seen, provision is made for mounting a dial 5?, indicating the stations or the wave length of the stations, on the steering wheel. To that end the steering wheel H is provided with a large, rounded horn button 58 which covers the space within the annular ring 28 and which conforms in contour to the upper edge of the ring 28 so as to provide a substantially continuous surface to efi'ect a neat appearance. This horn button is secured by means of a bolt or rivet to the closed upper end of a tubular sleeve iii) which is slidably received over the end of the tube St but retained against rotation relative thereto and against movement off of the end of the tube 30 by means of a pin (it, fixed diametrically in the tube St and extending through longitudinal slots It is to 52 in the sleeve to. The sleeve 60 at its lower 75 end rests upon and is supported by an annular washer 63 resting upon one end of a compression spring 64 encircling the tube 39 and at its other end abutting a washer 65 resting on the hub of the commutator 39. The upper end of the tube carries a spring contact 66 for cooperation with a contact 51 secured to the lower end of the bolt 59 to complete a circuit to the horn when the horn button 58 is depressed by compression of the spring 64. The lead 68 for the contact 66 extends, as shown in Fig. 2, within the tube 30 and similarly the leads 49 (not shown in Fig. 2) leading from the commutator segments may also extend within the tube 30.

Spacing the horn button 58 from the sleeve 60 is a collar upon which is rotatably mounted the dial 51. Fixedly supported from the sleeve 60 is a carrier 12 providing a journal for a gear 13 which meshes with internal gear teeth 14 formed on the annular ring 28. Fixed to rotate with the gear 13 is a pinion l5 meshing with gear teeth formed on the periphery of the dial 51 in order that the dial may be rotated in accordance with the'rotation of the annular ring 28. In order that the dial 5'! may be visible, the horn button 58 is provided with a suitable arcuate aperture 16 which preferably is closed by a suitable transparent means 11. The dial 5! in conventional manner is made of a translucent material and a small electric bulb 18 is positioned beneath the aperture 16 so that the light therefrom will shine through and illuminate the dial 51.

Considering now the portion of the remote control means for governing the volume control means l6: This portion of the remote control means, as previously stated, comprises a motor 2 3 operatively associated with the rheostat l6 and a manually operable element generally designated 2|. The motor 24 is reversible and in the preferred form is of the step-by-step type of motor. As best seen in Figs. 5 and 6, the motor is housed in an elongated casing 80 having at each end a solenoid 8| and 8|, and intermediate the solenoids extending transversely of the casing 80 and rotatably journaled therein is a shaft 82 connected with the rheostat I6. Actuated by the solenoids 8| and 8|, respectively, is an armature 83 and 83, each pivoted at its lower end in the casing 80 and each having pivotally connected to its upper end a pawl 84 and 84', respectively. The pawl 84 cooperates with a ratchet wheel 85 fixed on the shaft 82 while the pawl 84 cooperates with a ratchet wheel 85 also fixed on the shaft 82. The teeth on the ratchet wheels 85 and 85' are reversed in order that each pawl may engage with the teeth of the respective ratchet wheel when the armature is attracted by the solenoid, and so that the pawls will pass over the teeth without rotating the respective ratchet wheel when the solenoids are deepergized and the armatures retracted by tension springs 86. The extent of rotation of the shaft 82, as a resul u of each energization of one of the solenoids may be varied by adjusting the extent of movement of the armatures by means of adjustable limit screws 87 provided for that purpose and the precision of movement may be determined by the number of ratchet teeth provided. It will be seen from the foregoing that by successive energization of either the solenoid 8| or the solenoid 8| the shaft 82 may be rotated in one direction or another to increase or decrease the volume of sound of the radio receiving set.

In the present form of the invention the manually actuable element 2| comprises a switch button 90 and a pair of switches 9| and 9| controllable by the switch button 90. Herein the switch button 90 takes the form of a generally triangular plate pivotally mounted at its apex on a pin 93 fixed in the carrier 72, and a knurled projection 94 extending upwardly through an aperture 95 provided for that purpose in the horn button 58 adjacent the periphery thereof so that the switch button 951 may be actuated by a digit of the hand of the operator of the vehicle while on or in close proximity to the steering wheel. The switches 9| and 9| are each composed of an upstanding spring contact 96 and a cooperating contact 91 supported by the carrier 12 on opposite sides of the switch button 90 so as to be selectively actuable by pivotal movement of the switch button to one side or the other.

As best seen in Fig. 4, the manually actuable element 2| and the motor 24 are connected in an electrical circuit forming a branch of the electrical circuit of the remote control means. To that end a lead I90 is connected at one end to the common lead 50 and at its other end is connected by branch leads to one end of each the solenoid 8| and 8|. The remaining end of the solenoid 8! is connected by a lead |0| to the contact 97 of the switch 9|, while the remaining end of the solenoid 8| is connected by a lead I92 to the contact 91 of the switch 9|. The contacts 95 are connected to ground by means of leads I93 to complete the circuit. It will be seen from the foregoing that the solenoids 8| and 8| are connected in parallel, with the switches 9| and 9|, respectively, in series connection therewith so that closure of the switch 9| will energize the solenoid 8| while closure of the switch 9| will energize the solenoid 8|.

Considering now the portion of the remote control means governing the tone control means H, the motor 25 which drives the ton control means as employed herein is the equivalent of half of the motor 24. Accordingly, the motor comprises a solenoid I05, a pivotally mounted armature I96, a pawl l9! actuated by the armature, and a ratchet wheel I08 with which the pawl I07 cooperates to impart step-by-step rotation to a shaft operatively connected with the tone con- The solenoid I55 of the motor 25 is connected in parallel with the solenoids 8| and 8| by means of a lead I09 connected to the lead I00 and a lead H0 connected to ground the same as the leads I03. Interposed in the lead III) to control the energization of the solenoid N is normally open switch I having a switch button a for actuating the switch and together forming the manually actuable element generally designated 22. The switches 52 and III are also mounted on the carrier 12 adjacent the switches 9| and 9| and the horn button 58 is provided with apertures adjacent its periphery and on opposite sides of the aperture 95 through which the switch buttons 52a and l i let project for actuation by the operator of the vehicle. While not shown in Fig. 2, it is to be remembered that the tube 3|) provides a convenient duct for the passage of the leads for the switches 9| and 9| and the switches 52 and III.

In order that the switch 52 may also control the receiving set proper, the lead 55 from the set is connected to the lead 50 beyond the switch 52. The switch button 52a is also adapted to actuate some conventional means (not shown) for locking the ring 28 against rotation when the switch 52 is open so as to prevent rotation of the ring without a corresponding rotation of the motor It is to be noted, particularly from a consideration of Fig. 1, that the manually actuable elements and the dial are so constructed that they may readily be incorporated in a more or less conventional and standard steering wheel and at the same time present an extremely neat appearance. Moreover, because they may be incorporated in the steering wheel, they are so located that they are r adily visible and are in the direct line of vision of the operator of the vehicle so that he need glance down but momentarily to observe the dial and the actuable elements. Furthermore, the manually actuable elements are so located that they are readily found by the operator bout the necessity of glancing at the elements may be actuated while the hand on the wheel, or at least in such close ty thereto that it may readily grasp the of emergency. Thus the element is readily rotated by the thumb of either hand of the operator of the vehicle, while the hand rests on one of the horizontal spokes 3 5. Similarly the switch buttons 52a. and l i to may be actuated by the thumb of an operator of the vehicle while his hand remains on the lower or downwardly extending spoke In a mo: tion of the above described form of the invention, the step-by-step motor 2% driving the volume control means it may be replaced by a reversible electric motor Elli (see Fig. l) of the continuously rotating type. The motor lid is connected in circuit in the same manner as the motor as indicated by the broken line leads Mil. When the motor H5 is employed, the adjustment of the volume of sound of the radio is somewhat simplified in that the switch button xii may be actuated and retained in actuated position until the desired volume of sound is obtained, whereas in the preferred construction the switch button must be successively actuated for continued movement of the volume control means.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 7 and 8 of the drawings, the invention takes the form of a wholly mechanical remote control means. In this formof the invention the remote control means is still adapted for use-with the radio in an automotive vehicle, and thus is still constructed to be incorporated in a steering wheel ll of an automotive vehicle. The wheel ii is rigidly secured to the projecting upper end of a shaft i2 extending longitudinally of a conventional steering column il in which it is rotatably journaled, preferably in ball bearings id. The remote control means still comprises a manually actuable clement generally designated 21? governing the tuning control means and a second manually actuable element generally designated 29' for governing the volume control means. These manually actuable elements are, however, connected mechanically with the control means and not electrically, as in the preferred form of the invention. To that end the element 2i, taking the form of an annular ring till, is rotatably mounted in the recess 29' formed in the upper surface of the steering wheel and is fixedly secured as by a screw iii to a tube 22 extending longitudinally the shaft 52 and projecting at the upper end therefrom for the reception of the ring lid. The tube i222 is rotatably mounted within the shaft l2 and is preferably journaled in ball bearings I123. At its lower end the tube m2 projects into a housing E24 depending from the lower end of the steering column. Mounted non-rotatably on the lower end of the tube I22 is a bevel gear l25which meshes with a bevel gear are fixed on one element I'Zl of a coupling, a 00- operating element izii of which is secured to a flexible shaft 529 adapted to be connected to the volume control means of a radio receiving set. The coupling preferably is housed in an external threaded sleeve ltd extending through an aperture in the housing li t and rigidly secured by clamping the wall of the housing E23 between a head iti on the sleeve and lock nuts i152 threaded onto the sleeve. To prevent withdrawal of the element i2? from the sleeve, it is formed with an annular groove 533 into which projects one end of a screw it l. The element 523 of the coupling is retained in engagement with the element 527? by means of a screw cap I35.

In this form, the element 20 also takes the form of an annular ring is? rotatably disposed within the ring and non-rotatably fixed upon a tube l3? extending longitudinally within the tube 22. This tube also is rotatably mounted and is preferably journaled in ball bearings I39 with its upper end projecting from the upper end of the tube l22 with its lower end projecting from the tube E22 and into the housing H 3. At its lower end the tube i238 carries a bevel gear Mil! meshing with a bevel gear hit in turn connected to a flexible shaft or cable M2 through the medium oi a coupling identical with that connecting the bevel gear E26 to the shaft or cable ltd.

Extending longitudinally within the tube it is a tube til which projects at its upper end from the tube 238 and at its lower end is fixed in the housing 52 as by means of a screw [43. Preferably ball bearings Hi l are interposed between the tube 3% and the tube E38. The upper end of the tube 3t supports the horn button 53' which is secured by means of a screw 59' to the closed end of a sleeve Bil received slidably over the upper end. of the tube 353'. The sleeve til is guided for longitudinal movement but is restrained against relative rotational movement with respect to the tube 3@' by means of a pin iii extending diametrically of the tube and the sleeve through elongated apertures 62' formed in the sleeve, and the sleeve til rests upon an annular washer d3 yieldably supported by means of a compression spring 64% engaging a second annular washer d5 resting upon the races of the ball bearings M4. On the upper end of the tube Sill is a spring contact 66 and carried by the closed end of the sleeve till is a cooperating contact ti forming the switch of the horn circuit and controlled by the horn button 58.

The horn button lid is spaced from the sleeve 69' by means of a collar ll and on this collar is rotatably journaled a dial Elli disposed beneath the horn button fit so as to be visible through an arcuate aperture it formed in the horn button for that purpose. The inner periphery of the dial 5? has gear teeth formed thereon which mesh with a gear 713 rotatably journaled in a carrier it supported from the sleeve to and engaging the horn button 5% at its periphery to form an integral part thereof. The gear it also meshes with gear teeth 74 formed on an upstanding hub portion of the annular ring l3l in order that the rotation of the annular ring I31 may impart a corresponding rotation to the dial 5?. In conventional manner the dial 5i may be made of translucent material and a light bulb l8 disposed beneath it so as to illuminate it and make the figures thereon readable through the aperture I6 in the horn button 58.

In Fig. 9 there is disclosed a modified form of control for the volume of the radio receiving set which may be employed to replace the annular ring I20 of the remote controlmeans as disclosed in Figs. '7 and 8. In this form the volume control means I6 is mounted directly in the steering Wheel and is then connected by leads with the proper elements of the radio receiving set. Accordingly, the volume control means I6 is supported in the carrier 12 and directly connected with the control means is the manually actuable element 2 I" which element here takes the simple form of a knurled wheel I41 adapted to project through an aperture I48 formed in the horn button 58" near the periphery thereof for thatpurpose.

Fig. 10 discloses the control means of Figs. 1 to 6 adapted for use with a house radio receiving set. To that end the manually actuable elements are incorporated in a box-like housing I50. Mounted centrally on the top of the housing is a dial 5'!" with which cooperates a rotatable pointer I5I. Relative rotation between the brushes 36 and the commutator 39 is here obtained by rotation of a knurled stem I52 which is operatively connected to effect such relative rotation and which is also operatively connected with the pointer I5l to elfect a corresponding rotation. The main switch button is represented at 52a and the switch button for the switch I ll governing the tone control means is represented at lIIa'. The switches 9| and 9| instead of being actuated by a single switch button 94, as shown in Figs. 2 and 4, have individual switch buttons I53 and I54 for actuating the same.

It is believed apparent from the foregoing that we have perfected a new and improved remote control means which is readily adapted for the control of a radio receiving set under various environments, such as in the home or in an automotive vehicle. The remote control means is neat, capable of a compact arrangement and is ac curate and precise in its operation, yet is of comparatively simple construction so that it may be inexpensively and economically manufactured. While suitable for use in various environments, it is particularly adapted for use in an automotive vehicle and to that end is so constructed as .to be capable of incorporation in a more or less standard steering wheel of such an automotive vehicle. Because it is capable of such incorporation in a steering wheel, it is located where it is in the direct line of vision of the operator of the vehicle and where it may be actuated while the hand of the operator of the vehicleremains on orin close proximity to the steering wheel. As a result the driving hazards of radio in an automotive vehicle are greatly reduced since our construction obviates the necessity of the operator of the vehicle removing his eyes from the road, and obviates the reaching and shifting out of normal driving position which is necessitated by the present location of the controls for the radio receiving set.

We claim as our invention:

1. Means for controlling from a remotevpoint a radio receiving set, having a volume and a tuning control means, mounted in an automotive vehicle having a steering column, a steering wheel mounted on the upper end of the column and having a central recess opening through its upper face, and a stationary member projecting from the upper end of the steering column into the recess in the steering wheel comprising, in combination, an annular ring mounted concentrically and rotatably within the recess in the steering wheel and extending to the upper surface of the Wheel to be readily actuated by a digit of the hand of the operator of the vehicle, means associating said annular ring in controlling re1ationship with the tuning control means to govern the station selection by the radio receiving set, an actuable element also disposed within the recess in the steering wheel and extending to the top surface thereof to be readily actuated by a digit of the hand of the operator of the vehicle, means associating said actuable element with the volume control means of the radio receiving set, a horn button disposed centrally of the recess in the steering wheel mounted on the stationary member for longitudinal movement relative thereto but restained against relative rotational movement, said horn button including a carrier disposed beneath the horn button, a dial indicating the station selected rotatable mounted with respect to said horn button beneath the same, said horn button having an aperture through which a portion of the dial is visible, and

means journaled in said carrier and engaging said dial and said annular ring for imparting movement to said dial in accordance with the rotation of said annular ring.

2. In an automotive vehicle having a steering column, a steering wheel with a recess formed centrally thereof and opening through the upper face of the wheel, a tube extending longitudinally and fixedly of the steering column and projecting into the recess in the wheel, and a radio receiving set with a volume and a tuning control means, means for controlling the radio receiving set from a remote point comprising a first electric -motor associated with the tuning control means,

a second electric motor associated with the volume control means, means for governing said first electric motor to eifect adjustment of the tuning control means comprising an annular ring rotatably mounted within the recess in the steering wheel and projecting from the recess to be actuableby the operator of the vehicle, a brush carried by said annular ring, and a commutator fixedly mounted on the tube and having a plurality of segments on its periphery adapted to be engaged by the brush as the annular ring is rotated, said commutator segments, brush and first electric motor being connected in electrical circuit to effect rotation of said motor in a direction and to an extent corresponding to the direction and extent of rotation of said annular ring, a horn button non-rotatably mounted on the tube disposed within said annular ring to complete the closure of the recess, and means for governing said second electric motor to effect adjustment of the volume control means comprising a pair of switches electrically connected in circuit with said second motor to govern the extent and direction of rotation of the motor, said switches being within the recess to be concealed by the horn button, and a switch button mounted within the recess in the steering wheel and projecting through the horn button for operation by the operator of the vehicle, said switch button being designed selectively to actuate said switches.

3. In an automotive vehicle having a steering column, a steering wheel with a centrally located recess opening through the upper surface of the wheel, a tube extending longitudinally and fixedly of the steering column and projecting into the recess in the wheel, and a radio receiving set with a tuning, a volume and a tone control means, electrical means for controlling the receiving set from a remote point comprising a first electric motor operatively associated with the tuning control means, a second electric motor operative 1y associated with the volume control means, a third electric motor operatively associated with the tone control means, means located remote from the receiving set for governing said first motor to efiect adjustment of the tuning control means comprising an annular ring rotatably mounted on the tube within the recess in the steering wheel, a commutator fixed on the tube having a plurality of commutator segments on its periphery and a plurality of brushes carried by said annular ring adapted successively to engage the commutator segments as the ring is rotated, said commutator segments, brushes and first electric motor being connected in electric circuit toefiect rotation of the motor in a direction and to an extent corresponding to the direction and extent of rotation of said annular ring, a horn button'including a carrier disposed beneath the horn button non-rotatably supported from the tube within the annular ring to complete the closure of the recess in the steering wheel, means for governing said second electric motor from a remote point comprising a pair of switches electrically associated with said second motor to govern the direction of rotation thereof, said switches being mounted on said carrier, a first switch button also mounted on said carrier and operable selectively to actuate said switches, said switch button projecting through the horn button adjacent the periphery thereof to permit actuation by the operator of the vehicle, means remote from the receiving set for governing said third electric motor to effect adjustment of the tone control means comprising a switch supported by said carrier and electrically connected to said third motor and a second switch button projecting through the horn button near the periphery thereof to one side and adjacent to said first mentioned switch button, and a master switch means comprising a switch connected in circuit with said motors and said control means to be common to all, and a third switch button projecting through the horn button adjacent said first mentioned switch button and to the side thereof opposite said second switch button.

4. In an automotive vehicle having a steering column, a steering wheel with a recess in the upper surface thereof and a radio receiving set having tuning control means and volume control means, means for controlling the set from a remote point comprising a first annular ring rotatably disposed within the recess in the steering wheel, a mechanical connection between said ring and one of the control means of the radio receiving set, said connection in part extending longitudinally within the steering column, a second annular ring rotatably disposed within said first ring, a mechanical connection between said second ring and the other of the control means of the radio receiving set, said last mentioned connection in part extending longitudinally within the steering column, a horn button disposed within said second annular ring to complete the closure of the recess in the steering wheel, said horn button having an aperture therein, and a dial rotatably disposed beneath the horn button to be visible through the aperture in the horn button and driven by the annular ring governing the tuning of the radio receiving set so as to indicate the station selected.

5. In an automotive vehicle having a radio receiving set, a steering column and a steering wheel mounted at the top of the column and having a central recess opening through the upper face thereof, means for controlling the radio from a remote point and while the hand of the operator of the vehicle remains adjacent the steering wheel comprising a first tube extending longitudinally of the steering column with one end projecting from the upper end of the column into the recess in the steering wheel and rotatably mounted therein, a first annular ring rotatably disposed within the recess in the wheel and fixed on the projecting end of said tube, a cable operatively associated at one end with the lower end of said tube and operatively associated at the other end with the radio receiving set to effect control of the volume, a second tube disposed rotatably within said first tube and projecting at the upper end therefrom, a second annular ring rotatably disposed within said first ring and fixedly connected on the projecting end of said second tube, a cable operatively associated at one end with the lower end of said second tube and operatively associated at the other end with the radio receiving set to efiect control of the tuning, a third tube extending within said second tube and projecting at the upper end therefrom, said third tube being fixed against rotation, a horn button yieldably mounted on said third tube to permit longitudinal movement of the button for the completion of a circuit to the horn of the vehicle, said horn button being disposed within said second annular ring to complete the closure of the recess in the steering wheel and having an aperture opening therethrough, a dial rotatably mounted beneath said horn button, and gearing interconnecting said second annular ring and said dial for rotating the dial in a direction and to an extent corresponding with the rotation of said second annular ring.

6. Remote control means for a radio receiving set for use in an automotive vehicle having a steering wheel with a central recess opening through the upper face thereof comprising a first electric motor associated with the radio receiving set to govern the tuning of the set, said motor having a plurality of poles and a plurality of armatures, a second electric motor associated with the radio receiving set to govern the sound volume of the set, a first manually actuable element comprising an annular ring rotatably mounted in the recess in the steering wheel and lying closely adjacent the periphery of the recess to be readily actuable by a digit of a hand of the operator of the vehicle while the hand continues to grasp a spoke of the steering wheel, a stationary commutator positioned in the recess in the steering wheel wtihin said annular ring having a plurality of segments connected in circuit with certain of the poles of said first mentioned electric motor, and brushes carried by said annular ring contacting the segments of said commutator and also connected in circuit to control the successive energization of the poles of said first electric motor in a sequence corresponding to the relative movement between the segments and the brushes switch buttons while the hand of the operator remains on the steering wheel.

7. Remote control means for a radio receiving set in an automotive vehicle having a steering wheel provided with a central hub having an upwardly opening recess bordered by a rim above the spokes of the steering wheel, comprising an annular member rotatably supported within said recess with its outer periphery adjacent said rim and having a top surface free of projections and substantially flush with the top of the rim to provide a substantially continuous surface for free and unimpeded access of a digit of the hand of the operator of the vehicle for turning said member while the operators hand remains grasping a spoke of the wheel, and a second annular member within said first mentioned annular member with its periphery adjacent to the inner periphery of said second member and having a top surface substantially flush with the top surface of said first member to provide a substantially continuous surface therewith, and means operatively associating said members with the radio receiving set for control thereof.

8. Remote control means for a radio receiving set in an automotive vehicle having a steering wheel provided with a central hub having an upwardly opening recess bordered by a rim above the spokes of the steering wheel, comprising an annular member rotatably supported within said recess with its outer periphery adjacent said rim and having a top surface free of projections and substantially flush with the top of the rim to provide a substantially continuous surface for free and unimpeded access of a digit of the hand of the operator of the vehicle for turning said member while the operators hand remains grasping a spoke of the wheel, a circular element within said annular member forming a closure for the space within said annular member having an aperture therein, said element having a comparatively smooth top surface free from projections and disposed with its periphery adjacent the inner periphery of said member and substantially flush therewith to provide a substantially continuous surface closing the recess in the steering wheel, switch means mounted within said annular member and beneath said circular element, means extending through said circular element closely adjacent the periphery thereof to be actuable by a digit of a hand of the operator of the vehicle while the same remains on the wheel, said means controlling said switch means, a, dial rotatably disposed within said annular member and beneath said circular element to be visible in part through the aperture in said circular element and driven in timed relation with said annular member to indicate the station selected, and means operatively associating said annular member and said switch means with the radio receiving set for control thereof.

9. Remote control means for a radio receiving set for use in an automotive vehicle having a steering wheel with a central recess opening through the upper face thereof comprising a first electric motor associated with the radio receiving set to govern the tuning of the set, a second electric motor associated with the radio receiving set to govern the sound volume of the set, a first manually actuable element comprising an annular member rotatably mounted in the recess in the steering wheel and having a top surface lying closely adjacent the periphery of the recess to be readily actuable by a digit of a hand of the operator of the vehicle while the hand continues to grasp a spoke of the steering wheel and being free of projections extending above the top surface or outwardly beyond the recess in the steering wheel, means positioned within the recess in the steering wheel within said annular member connected in circuit with said first mentioned electric motor and operable to cause said first electric motor to rotate in a direction and to an extent corresponding to the rotation of said annular member, a plurality of switches disposed within said annular member connected in circuit with said second mentioned motor and selectively operable to determine the direction and extent of operation of said second motor, and a second manually actuable element for actuating said switches disposed within said annular member and projecting slightly upwardly above said annular member closely adjacent the inner periphery of the top surface thereof to facilitate actuation while the hand of the operator remains on the steering wheel.

10. In an automotive vehicle having a steering column, a steering wheel with a recess in the upper surface thereof, and a radio receiving set having tuning control means and volume control element and one of the control means of the radio receiving set, said connection in part extending within the steering column, a second manually actuable element also disposed within the recess in the wheel, said element terminating substantially flush with the top surface of the steering wheel and being free of projections extending beyond the periphery of the recess, a connection between said second element and the other of the control means of the radio receiving set, said last mentioned connection in part extending within the steering column, a closure member disposed within said recess to effect the closure of the recess in the steering wheel, said closure member being suitably formed for the projection thereabove of said elements to make the same readily actuable by a digit of a hand of the operator of the vehicle while affording protection against injury and accidental actuation, and means readily visible from above the steering wheel to indicate the station selected.

EDMUND I-I. SCHOLZ. VICTOR A. REINHOLZ. 

